After seeing Rongrong off, Chu Qing returned to his room and carefully examined his physical condition.
His guess had been right! Ever since he awakened his Soul Power at the age of six, his constant battles, breakthroughs, and growing strength had caused the Nihility Devouring Flame to undergo two minor evolutions, awakening many new traits. But now it seemed those changes hadn't come without side effects. His strength had grown quickly, but the accompanying Karma Fire had accumulated inside him, breeding evil energy in his mind. The Karma Fire blocked his meridians and clouded his clarity of mind.
That was why his strength had remained stuck, unable to advance. With an ordinary Martial Soul, he would never have faced such a problem. Chu Qing gave a bitter laugh. What could he expect, when his Martial Soul was the fierce and violent Nihility Devouring Flame?
This karmic force was incredibly powerful, and ordinary people couldn't withstand it. Xiao Wu, however, was the perfect candidate. She was a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast who had taken human form, and her body was strong enough to bear it. In fact, it would greatly benefit her cultivation!
The Karma Fire was useless to Chu Qing, hindering his cultivation, but released into Xiao Wu's body, it became a rare source of energy that could strengthen her Soul Power.
Looks like I'll have to seek her out more often from now on. Besides, that girl doesn't seem to mind. Chu Qing mused to himself.
After venting the Karma Fire, he felt clearer than ever, reaching the peak of his condition for the past three years. The strength within him and his mental power surged like the Yangtze, flowing without end.
His Soul Power had also condensed until it was almost tangible, as rich as honey brimming over a cup—thick and abundant. Everything was ready; all he needed was a third Soul Ring, and he could break through to level thirty.
He had a feeling that once he broke through this time, his strength would reach a whole new level!
And his Nihility Devouring Flame would surely change again!
After finishing his inspection, Chu Qing opened his eyes, their brilliance flashing. He circulated his Soul Power and peered into his Storage Ring. The Whale Rubber he had won from Yu Tianheng, the Blue Silver Emperor's Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone, and that feeble Blue Silver Grass were all still there.
Since arriving at Shrek Academy, he hadn't made use of these resources. After considering them for a while, Chu Qing decided to absorb the Whale Rubber first. Supposedly, it could increase the age of a Soul Ring and strengthen the body. He had no need to toughen up, though; the Nihility Devouring Flame had already tempered his body until it was incredibly powerful, leaving him practically forged of steel and iron.
He couldn't absorb the Blue Silver Emperor's Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone just yet. It wasn't that his strength was insufficient; he could absorb it. The Soul Bone was safe inside his Storage Ring, which shielded it from outside perception. But if he absorbed and refined it, Tang Hao, who was secretly watching Tang San, would notice immediately.
His strength still wasn't enough. He couldn't do that yet. A Titled Douluo...
Chu Qing's desire to grow stronger burned even hotter. Only by becoming a true powerhouse could he hold his own life firmly in his hands!
On the other side, after running out of the cafeteria, Xiao Wu hurried all the way back to the dormitory. She sat on her bed without saying a word, and before long, evening had fallen.
She still couldn't understand why Third Brother didn't understand her at all. He was even less considerate of her than Chu Qing.
Thinking of Chu Qing, she found herself recalling that morning. He had been forceful, yet gentle, and afterward he had even tenderly helped her wash herself. He hadn't lied to her, either. She really had broken through to level thirty, and that gentle source of energy had continued nourishing her meridians, doing wonders for her cultivation.
At the thought, her face flushed, and her emotions stirred again.
"Xiao Wu, what's wrong? Why are you crying so hard? Your face is all red!"
The cool and aloof Zhu Zhuqing walked in. Though she rarely showed warmth, she was deeply loyal at heart. Seeing Xiao Wu so upset, she couldn't help worrying about her, even though they had only just met.
"Did that Third Brother of yours make you angry? He came to our dormitory looking for you this morning and said you were his little sister. He didn't seem like a good person to me. Why are you with him?"
Xiao Wu froze, then quickly denied it. "No, Third Brother and I aren't a couple. We're just... just ordinary siblings."
"I knew it. How could a beauty like you ever be interested in an ordinary guy like Tang San? From what I've seen, he has neither charm nor good looks. He's nowhere near as impressive as that senior named Chu Qing."
"He's handsome and sunny, and he's always willing to help others. When I first arrived at the academy, I didn't know my way around, and he took care of everything for me."
Zhu Zhuqing went on, and it was clear she had a good impression of the handsome senior.
"So that's how he seems to other people?" Xiao Wu was stunned. When she thought of Chu Qing, what came to mind was his wicked charm, his sternness, his gentleness, and his strength.
"If he didn't already have Rongrong, I might even try to pursue him!" Zhu Zhuqing said playfully.
"Rongrong?" Xiao Wu froze, immediately remembering the radiant girl.
"Yeah. Can't you tell? They're obviously a couple. They haven't said anything, but anyone with eyes can see it," Zhu Zhuqing said.
For some reason, hearing that news suddenly made Xiao Wu's heart ache. She had been forced into it, so why did the thought of him having another woman leave her feeling so lost?
She didn't notice that she had already cast her unpleasant encounter with Tang San at noon, and her disappointment in him, far beyond the clouds. Now all she could think about was the boy named Chu Qing.
"Never mind, it's late. Let's go to sleep, Zhuqing. I'm fine now! Thanks for caring."
Seeing Xiao Wu looking cheerful again, Zhu Zhuqing stopped asking questions. She rather liked the adorable girl in front of her.
Soon, they both fell asleep.
Three days later, at the entrance to Shrek Academy.
Dean Flender waited there in silence. Once everyone had gathered, he cleared his throat and said, "Teacher Zhao will lead this trip. Mubai, explain things to the younger students."
Dai Mubai acknowledged him and began, "The Star Dou Great Forest is one of the three great gathering places for Soul Beasts on the Douluo Continent. It's home to many powerful Soul Beasts. There are even rumors that a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast lives in the heart of the forest. Everyone, be careful!"
He then turned to the cold and aloof Zhu Zhuqing and said with a smile, "Zhuqing, just stay behind me. I'll protect you."
Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes and ignored him, not bothering to reply.
Dai Mubai chuckled awkwardly. "Ahem, check your gear one more time and make sure you haven't forgotten anything. The Star Dou Great Forest is extremely dangerous, so be fully prepared!"
Then the Shrek Academy group set off together, soon reaching the small town on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest.